Porcelain: Tiles with History and Durability

The remarkable durability, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal of porcelain tile have led to their tremendous popularity in both residential and commercial settings. They have an amazing water absorption rate of 0.5% or less. These tiles are a great option for a variety of applications because of their hardness, water resistance, and low maintenance needs. We will examine the history and production methods of porcelain tile in this article.

The background of ceramic tiles

The history of porcelain is extensive and extends back to ancient China. Because of its smooth, glossy appearance, the name “porcelain” is derived from the Italian word “porcellana,” which means seashell. Porcelain’s beginnings can be found in the Chinese invention of high-fired, vitreous ceramics during the Han dynasty that ruled from 206 BC–220 AD.

In the 18th century, European nations began to build porcelain tiles (กระเบื้องพอร์ซเลน, this is the term in Thai) industries as a result of the porcelain-making craft finally spreading outside of China. Since then, porcelain has developed further and its manufacturing techniques have improved, resulting in the creation of the contemporary porcelain tiles that we use today.

How these tiles are made

These tiles are made through several important steps, all of which are crucial to the quality and features of the finished product:

Selection of raw materials

The main ingredients in the production process are silica, feldspar, unique kaolin clay, and other naturally occurring minerals. The qualities of the tile are mostly determined by the exact composition and choice of raw materials.

Blending

The raw ingredients are ground into a fine powder and combined in exact amounts. The “biscuit” or “body” of this combination is what makes up the basis of the tile.

Forming

The body is subsequently formed into tiles by a variety of techniques, including casting, pressing, and extrusion. The most popular technique is pressing, which involves applying intense pressure to compress the powdered body into the appropriate tile shape.

Desiccation

The freshly formed tiles are dried to get rid of extra moisture. To avoid warping or cracking during firing, this step is essential.

Launching

High temperatures- typically between 1200 and 1300 degrees Celsius (2200 and 2400 degrees Fahrenheit)- are used in kilns to fire the dry tiles. By vitrifying the tile, this technique makes it extremely dense and water-resistant.

Glazing

Glazing these tiles can improve their appearance or add certain design components. Glazing is the process of covering a tile’s surface with a thin layer of textured, glossy, or matte substance that resembles glass.

Inspection and cooling

To avoid thermal shock, the tiles are cooled gradually after the fire. After that, they undergo a thorough inspection to make sure only the best tiles are chosen for sale.

Since their ancient Chinese beginnings, porcelain slabs and tiles have undergone significant development to become a resilient and adaptable wall covering and flooring solution ideal for a variety of uses. Their broad use and appeal in both residential and commercial settings can be attributed to a variety of factors, including their history, manufacturing process, characteristics, and design alternatives.